OHIO STATEWIDE FILES OH-FOOTSTEPS Mailing List Issue 149 *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest Volume 00 : Issue 149 Today's Topics: #1 Fw: Bio History-- Know your Ohio - ["Maggie Stewart" To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <139c01bfb57d$03229240$0300a8c0@local.net> Subject: Fw: Bio History-- Know your Ohio -- George Washington --Pt 3. Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Darlene E. Kelley ****************************************************** Historical Collections of Ohio Know your Ohio by Darlene E. Kelley ****************************************************** Continuation of George Washington's Journel-- Mission to the Ohio-- Pt 3 As printed in the Maryland Gazette-- March 21st and 28th, 1754. This was the reply-- Now, my Child, I have heard your speech. you spoke first, but it is my time to speak now. Where is my Wampum that you took away, with the Marks of Towns in it? This Wampum I do not know, which you have discharged me off the Land with; but you need not put yourself to the trouble of speaking, for I will not hear you; I am not afraid of Flies or Mosquitos, for Indians are such as those; I tell you, down that River I will go, and will build on it, according to my Command; if the River was backed up, I have Forces sufficient to burst it open, and tread under my feet all that stand in Opposition, together with their Alliances; for my force is as the Sand upon the Sea Shore; Therefore, here is your Wampum, I fling it at you. Child, you talk foolish; you say this Land belongs to you, but there is not the Back of my Nail yours; I saw that Land sooner than you did, before the Shannoahs and you were at War; Lead was the Man that went down, and took Possession of that River; It is my Land and I will have it, let who will stand up for, or say against it. I'll buy and sell with the Englaish ( mocking ). If People will be ruled by me, they may expect Kindness, but not else. The Half King told me he enquired of the General after two Englishmen that were made Prisioners, and received this Answer. Child. You think it is a very great Hardship that I made Prisioners of those two people at Venango, don't concern yourself with it, we took and carried them to Canada, to get Intelligence of what the English were doing in Virginia. He informed me that they had built two Forts, one on Lake Erie, and another on French Creek, near a small Lake about 15 Miles asunder, and a large Waggogen Road between; they are both built after the same model, but different in size; that on the Lake the largest; he gave me a plan of them, of his own drawing. The Indians enquired very particularly after their Brothers in Carolina Goal. They also asked what sort of a Boy it was that was taken from the South Branch; for they had, by some Indians, heard that a Party of French Indians has carried a white Boy by the Caseuea Town, towards the Lakes. 26th-- We met in Council at the Long-House about 9 o'clock, where I spoke to them as follows: Brothers, I have called you together in Council, by Order of your Brother the Governor of Virginia, to acquaint you that I am sent, with all possible dispatch, to visit, and deliver a Letter to the French Commandant, of Great importance to your Brothers the English; and I dare say, to you their Friends and Allies. I was destined, brothers, by your brother, the Governor, to call upon you, the sachems of the Nations, to inform you of it, and to ask your advice and assistance to proceed the nearest and best road to the French. You see, brothers, I have gotten this far on my journey. His Honor likewise desired me to apply to you for some of your young men to conduct and provide provisions for us on our way, and be a safeguard against those French Indians who have taken up the hatchet against us. I have spoken thus particularly to you Brothers, because his Honor, our Governor, treats you as good friends and allies, and holds you in great esteem. To confirm what I have said, I give you this string of Wampum. After they had considered for some time onthe above discourse, the Half-King got up. and spoke; 'Now, my Brother, in regard to what my Brother, the Governor, had desired of me. I return you this answer; 'I rely upon you as a Brother ought to do, as you say we are brothers and one people. We shall put heart in hand and speak to our fathers, the French, concerning the speech they made to me, and you may depend that we will endeavor to be your guard. 'Brother, as you have asked my advice. I hope you will be ruled by it, and stay until I can provide a company to go with you. The French speech-belt is not here; I have to go for it to y Hunting-Cabin. Likewise, the people whom I have ordered in are not yet come, and cannot until the third night from this; until which time, Brother, I must beg you to stay. ' I intend to send a guard of Mingoes. Shannoahs, and Delawares, that our Brothers may see the love and loyalty we bear them.' As I had orders to make all possible dispatch, and waiting here was very contrary to my inclination, I thanked him in the most suitable manner I could, and told him that my business required the greatest expedition, and would not admit of that delay; He was not well pleased that I should offer to go before the time he appointed, and told me that he could not consent to our going without a guard, for fear of some accident should befall us, and draw a relexion upon him; besides, says he, this is a matter of no small moment, and must not be entered into without due consideration; for now I intended to deliver up the French Speech-Belt, and make the Shannoahs and Delawares do the same; and accordingly he gave Orders to King Shingiss, who was present, to attend on Wednesday night wih the Wampum, and two men of their Nation to be in readiness to set out with next morning. As I found it was impossible to get off without affronting them inthe most eqregious Manner, I consented to stay. I gave them back a string of Wampum that I met with at Frazier's, which they had sent with a speech to his honour the Governor, to inform him, that the Three Nations of Frenc Indians, viz, Chippeways, Ottoways, and Orundacks, had taken up the hatchet against the English, and desired them to repeat it over agan, which they postponed doing till they met in full Council with the Shannoahs and Delaware Chiefs. 27th-- Runners were dispatched very early for the Shannoah Chiefs, the Half King set out himself to fetch the French Speech-Belt from his Hunting-Cabbin. 28th--, He returned this evening, and came with Monacatoocha, and two Sachems to my tent; and begged ( as they had complied with his Honour the Governor's request, in providing Men,etc.) to know what Business we were going to the French. This was a Question I all along expected, and had provided as satisfactory answers to, as I could, and which allayed their curiosity a little. Monacatoocha informed me, that an Indian from Venango brought news, a few days ago, that the French had called all the Mingos, Delawares & c together at that place, and told them that they intended to have been down the River this fall, but the waters were growing cold. and the winter advancing, whic oblidged them to go into Quarters; But desired that they might assuredly expect them in the Spring, with a far greater number; and desired that they might be quite passive, and apt to intermeddle, unless they has a mind to draw all their force upon them, for that they expected to fight the English three years. ( As they supposed there would be some attempts made to stop them) in which time they should conquer, but if they should prove equally strong, that they and the English would join to cut them all off, and divide the land between them; that tho' they had lost their General, and some few of their soldiers, yet there were men enough to reinforce them, and make them Masters of Ohio. This speech, he said, was delivered to them by one Captain Joncaire their interpreter in Chief, living in Venango, and a man of note in the Army. 29th-- The Half-King and Monacatoocha came very early and begged me to stay one day more, for notwithstanding they had used all the diligence in their power, the Shannoah Chiefs had not brought the Wampum they ordered, but would certainly be in tonight; if not, they would delay me no longer, but would send it after us as soon as soon as they arrived; When I found them so pressing in their request, and knew that returning of Wampum was the abolishing of agreements; and giving this up, was shaking off all Dependance upon the French. I consented to stay, as I believe an offense offered at this crisis, might be attended with greater ill conseqence. Than another days delay. They also informed me that Shingiss could not get his men, and was prevented from coming himself by his wife's sickness. ( I believe, by fear of the French) but that the Wampum of that Nation was lodged with Custaloga, one of their Chief's at Venango. In the evening late they came again and acquainted me that the Shannoahs were not yet come, but it should not retard the prosecution of our journey. He delivered in my hearing the speeched that were made to the French by Jeskakake, one of their old Chiefs, which was giving up the Belt the late Commandant had asked for, and repeating near the same speech he himself had done before. He also delivered a string of Wampum to this Chief, which was sent by King Shingiss, to be given to Casalega, with orders to repair to the French, and deliver up the Wampum. He likewise gave a very large String of Black and white Wampum, which was to be sent up immediately to the Six Nations, if the French refused to quit the Land at this warning; which was the third and last time, and was the right of this Jeskakuke to deliver. 30th-- Last night the great men assembled to their Council-House, to consult further about his journey, and who were to go; the result of which was, that only three of their Chiefs, with one of their best Hunters, should be our convoy; The reason which they gave for not sending more, after what had ben proposed at Council the 26th,was,that a greater number mght give the French Suspicions of some bad Design, and cause them to treated rudely; But I rather think they could not get their Hunters in. We set out about 9 o'clock with the Half-King, Jeskakake, White Thunder, and the Hunter, and travelled on the road to Venango, where we arrived the 4th of December, without anything remarkable happening but a series of bad weather. This is an old Indian Town, situated at the Mouth of French Creek on Ohio. and lies near N. about 60 miles from Logg-Town, but more than 70 the way we were obliged to go. ***************************************************** To be continued in part 4-- ______________________________ ------------------------------ X-Message: #2 Date: Thu, 4 May 2000 00:06:04 -0400 From: "Maggie Stewart" To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <140a01bfb581$40edd400$0300a8c0@local.net> Subject: Fw: Bio History--Know Your Ohio -- George Washington -- Pt 4. Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit ----- Original Message ----- Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Darlene E.Kelley ****************************************************** Historical Collections of Ohio Know Your Ohio by Darlene E. Kelley ****************************************************** Continuation of George Washington's Journel -- Mission to the Ohio-- Pt 4--As printed in the Maryland Gazette-- March 21st and 28th, 1754. We found the French Colours hoisted at a House which drove Mr.John Frazier, an English Subject, from; I immediately repaired to it, to know where the Commander resided. There wre three Officers, one of whom, Capt Joncaire informed me, that he had the Command of the Ohio, but that there was a General Officer at the near Fort, which he advised me to for an answer. He invited us to sup with them, and treated us with the greatest Complaisance. The Wine, as they dosed themselves pretty plentifully with it, soon banished the restraint which at first appeared in their conversation, and gave a Licence to their tongues to reveal their sentiments more freely. They told me. that it was their absolute design to take possession of the Ohio, and by G----- they would do it; for that they were sensible the English could raise two Men for their one; yet they knew, their motions were too slow and dilatory to prevent any undertaking of theirs. They pretended to have an undoubted right to the River, from a Discovery made by one LaSalle 60 years ago; an the rise of this expedition is, to prevent our settling on the River or waters of it, as they have heard of some Families moving out in Order thereto. From the best intelligence I could get, there have been 1500 men on this side Ontario Lake, but upon the death of the General all were recalled to about 6 or 700, who were left to garrison four Forts.150 or thereabouts in each, the first of which is on French Creek, near a small lake, about 60 miles from Venango, near N.N.W., The next lies on Lake Erie, where the greatest part of their stores are kept, about 15 miles from the other; from that it is 120 miles to the carrying place, at the Falls of Lake Erie, where there is a small Fort which they lodge their goods at, in bringing them in from Montreal, the place that all their stores come from; The next Fort lies about 20 miles from this, on Ontario Lake; between this Fort and Montreal there are three others, the first of which is near opposite to the English Fort Oswego. From the Fort on Lake Erie to Montreal is about 600 miles, which they say requires no more, if good weather, than four weeks voyage, if they go in Barks or large Vessels, that they can cross the Lake; but if they come in canoes it will require 5 or 6 weeks, for they are oblidged to keep under the shore. 5th-- Rained excessivelly all day, which prevented our traveling. Capt. Joncaire sent for the Half-King,as he had just heard that he came with me; He affected to be much concerned that I did not make free to bring them in before; I excuse it in the best manner I was capable, and told him I did not think their Company agreeable as I heard him say a good deal in dispraise of Indians in general; but another motive prevents me from bringing them into his company; I knew he was Interpreter, and a person of very great influence among the Indians and had lately used all possible means to draw them over to their interest; therefore I was desirous of giving no opportunity that could be avoided. When they came in, there was a great pleasure expressed at seeing them; he wondered how they could be so near without coming to visit him, made several trifling presents and applied liquor so fast, that they were soon rendered incapable of the business they had come about, notwithstanding the caution that was given. 6th-- The Half-King came to my tent, quite sober,and insisted very much that i should sty and hear what he had to say to the French; I would have prevented his speaking any thing, 'Til he came to the Commandant, but could not prevail; He told me, that at this place, a Council Fire was kindled, where all their business with the people was to be transacted, and that the management of the Indian Affairs was left solely to Capt. Joncaire. As I was desirous of knowing the issues of this, I agreed to stay, but sent our horses a little way up French Creek, to refresh and encamp, which I knew would make it near night. About 10 o'clock they met in council; the King sole much the same as he had before been demanded with the Marks of four Towns on it, which Monsieur Joncaire refused to receive; but desired him to carry it to the Fort of the Commander. 7th-- Monsieur La Force. Commissary of the French Stores, and three other Soldiers, came over to accompany us up. We found it extremely difficult getting the Indians off today, as every Stratagem had been used to prevent their going up with me; I had last night left John Davidson ( the Indian Interpreter that I had brought from the Logg Town with me) strictly charged not to be out of their company, as I could not get them over to my Tent ( they having some business with Custaloga, to know the reason why he did not deliver up the French Belt which he had in keeping) but was oblidged to send Mr. Gist over today to fetch them, which he did with great persuasion. At 11 o'clock we set out for the Fort, and were prevented from arriving there till the 11th by excessive rains, snows, and bad travelling, through mires and swamps, which we were oblidged to pass, to avoid crossing the Creek, which was impossible, either by fording or rafting, the water was so high and rapid. We passed over much good land since we left Venango, and through several extensive and very rich meadows; one of which I believe was near four miles in length, and considerably wide in some places. 12th-- I prepared early to wait upon the Commander, and was received and conducted to him by the second Officer in Command; I acquainted him with my business, and offered my Commission and Letter, both of which he desired me to keep till the arrival of Monsieur Riparti, Captain of the next Fort, who was sent for and expected every hour. This Commander is a Knight of the MiIitary Order of St. Louis, and named Legardeur de St.Piere. He is an elderly Gentleman, and has much the Air of a Soldier; he was sent over to take the Command, immediatelly upon the Death of the Late General, and arrived here about seven days before me. About 2 o'clock the Gentleman that was sent for arrived, when I offered the Letter, etc., again; which they received and adjourned into a private apartment for the Captain to translate, who understood a little English; after he had done it, the Commander desired I would walk in, and bring my interpreter to peruse and correct it, which I did. 13th-- The Chief Officers retired, to hold Council of War, which gave me an opportunity of taking the Demensions of the Fort, and making the Observations I could. It is situated on the South, or west Fork of French Creek, near the water, and is almost surrounded by the Creek, and a small branch of it forms a kind of Island ; four houses compose the sides; the Bastions are made of piles driven into the ground, and about 12 feet above, and sharp at the top, with port holes cut for Cannon and loop holes for the small arms to fire through. There are eight 6 lb. pieces mounted, two in each Bastion. and one piece of four pound before the gate; in the Bastions are guard House, Chapel. Doctor's Lodging. and the Commander's private store, round which are laid eight Forms for the Cannon and Men to stand on; there are several barracks withou the Fort, for Soldier's dwelling, covered with some bark, and some with boards, and made chiefy, such as stables, Smith's Shop, etc. I could get no certain account of the number of Men here; but according to the best judgement I could form, there are an hundred exclusive of Officers, of which there are many. I also also gave orders to the people that were with me, to take an exact account of the Canoes that were hauled up to convey their forces down in the spring, which they did, and told 50 of witch bark, and 170 of Pine, beside many others that were blotk'd out in Readiness to make. 14th-- As the snow increased very fast and our horses daily became weaker, I sent them off unloaded, under care of Barnaby Currin and tw others to make all convenient dispatch to Venango, and there--- at our arrival if there was a prospect of the waters freezing, if not, then to continue down to Shawnee's Town, at the forks of Ohio, and there to wait 'til we came to cross Allegany, intending myself to go down by water as I had the offer of canoe or two. As I found many plots concerted the Indans business, and prevent their returning with me, I endeavored all that lay in my power to frustrate their scheme, and hurry them on to execute their intended design; they accordingly pressed for admittance this evening, which at length was granted them, privately, with the Commander and one or two other Officers; The Half-King told me, that he offered the Wampum to the Commander, who evaded taking it, and made many fair promises of Love and Friendship; said he wanted to live in peace, and trade amicably with them, as a Proof of which he would send some goods immediately down to Loggs Town for them; but I rather think the design of that is , to being away all our struggling trades they meet with, as I privately understod they intended to carry an Officer, Etc., with them; and what rather confirms this opinion, I was inquiring of the Commander, by what athority he had made Prisioners of several of our English subjects; he told me that the country belonged to them, that no Englishman had a right to trade upon those waters; and he had orders to make every person Prisioner that attempted it on the Ohio, or the waters of it. I enquired of Capt. Riparti about the boy that was carried by, as it was done while the Command devolved on him, between the death of the late General, and the arrival of the present; he acknowledged , that a boy had been carried past, and that the Indians had two or three white mens scalps, ( I was told by some of the Indians at Vanango Eight) but pretended to have forgot the name of the place that the boy came from, and all the particulars. though he questioned him for hours, as they were carrying him past; I likewise enquired what they had done wth John Forster and James MacClachlan, two Pennsylvania Traders, whom they had taken, with all ther goods. They told me the had been sent to Canada, but were now returned home. This evening I received an answer to his Honour the Governor's Letter from the Commandant. ****************************************************** To be continud in part 5-- -------------------------------- End of OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest V00 Issue #149 *******************************************